Welcome December

I welcomed December with a visit to my midwife this morning. I am thirty-eight weeks and we can't wait to meet this girly! I am grateful for the mild Winter weather, blue sky, and sunshine today. It's supposed to stay nice until baby's due date and then I have no problem tucking in at home during the cold snap.

 

 

When I got home I pulled some dough out of the fridge and baked cookies. I saw this delicious looking recipe for cranberry orange shortbread cookies. They have a hint of almond extract in them too which makes them totally delicious!

 

 

While Sawyer waited for dinner he kept himself busy. I put a handful of forks in the middle of the table for everyone and he took it upon himself to set them at each plate. He was also fascinated with the glowing Christmas tree in the middle of the table and kept climbing up to turn it on and then off. 

The littles were so excited when Daddy got home for work, because that meant it was time to deck the halls! And dang, I admire that guy because he had a really stressful day and still made an effort to be present and make it fun.

I'd like to say it was peaceful and pleasant, but the reality of having six kiddos so close in age often means sibling rivalries and some tears. Among the chaos is always happy memories, and those are the ones we hold onto.

The big dancing train they made while Christmas music blasted from the speakers.

Ollie in this adorable elf hat that he claimed as his own this year.

 

 

Sawyer picking out decorations from the box and then saying my name over and over again until I came to help him hook them on the tree.

Camilla boosting up her little brothers so that they could hang their ornaments.

Joseph tenderly setting up the Christmas nativity, reminding us of the true reason for the season.

And Finley quietly asking if he could put the star on this year because he had never done it before.

We finished off the night with a mini photo shoot and Fin could not get enough pictures with his big brother Hyrum. He admires him a lot.

 

Also, could somebody please tell my children to quit growing up?! 

Now, I feel officially baby ready! The nursery is set up, the clothes are washed, the tree is lit, and the house is cozy. 

 

This year our family will be participating in Light the World again. If you're interested, check it out here.